200th Test Venue to Depend on Sachin

IndiaTimes

September 06, 2013

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NEW DELHI: With speculation rife over whether Sachin Tendulkar will retire from Test cricket after playing his 200th Test and even the cricket board (BCCI) not sure about the batsman's plans, the issue of which venue is going to host the landmark Test is getting interesting.

According to BCCI insiders, the board may talk to Tendulkar before deciding on the venue for the important Test. Sources said if Tendulkar is thinking of retiring after playing his 200th Test, Mumbai will probably get to host the game against the West Indies.

"It began there and it should end there if he is retiring," a top BCCI official told TOI. But if Tendulkar plans to keep on playing beyond the series against West Indies, then Kolkata could land the tie.

Interestingly, Tendulkar himself is open to playing this Test anywhere in the country. "He has no qualms about playing at any centre," a source said.

Bangalore, it was learnt, is another venue which is in the BCCI short-list. Tendulkar is looking forward to the momentous occasion, he would like to have some first class games under his best before he plays the two-Test series against the Caribbeans.

A source said Tendulkar is likely to play some Ranji matches for Mumbai to get some match practice before the Tests.

"The West Indies team will be in India between October 31 and November 27, during which it will play two Tests and three ODIs. The itinerary and venues for the matches will be announced shortly," BCCI secretary Sanjay Patel said in a statement.

Amid the pitched battle over hosting Sachin Tendulkar's 200th Test, former India captain Sourav Ganguly said it would be a fitting tribute if the Mumbai batsman could play the milestone match at his home ground.

"It will be the biggest thing if Tendulkar gets to play the 200th Test in Mumbai, purely on emotional grounds. He has all his friends and family members there," Ganguly said.

"At this moment, it seems it will be impossible for anybody to break the record of playing 200 Tests. It will be a fulfilling moment for Tendulkar," Ganguly added.